The summer jobs market has changed significantly in recent years, yet in 2005 the Canada summer jobs program created 70,000 jobs. In 2013 there were about half that number. Should we move to increase funding for Canada summer jobs program? That's something we can do in this Parliament, something this government can address in a very tangible way. Is this one area in which you would all agree we can make an investment?
On the whole issue of skilled and professional trades, what is the best set of policies or approaches to restore the honour of professional skilled trades in Canada? There has been somehow a diminution in the respect paid to these trades. To look at successes, Frank Stronach was a machinist who became a global business leader. Many people start with professional trades and become enormously successful in business and other pursuits.
Should we as a federal government be leading the way, in perhaps web-based and other marketing approaches, to get young people and their families thinking about skilled trades and professional trades earlier?